A weekend in Dana Point

A group of dolphins swim alongside the Manute’a catamaran during a dolphin and whale watching expedition near Dana Point.

(Barry Curtis / Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari)

May 27, 2015 12:52 PM PT

A young boy views dolphins in a viewing pod during a dolphin and whale watching safari near Dana Point.

(Dave Anderson / Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari)

Baby Beach is a little cove in Dana Point where gentle waves, free parking and nearby barbecues make for an easy-breezy afternoon.

(Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)